Besigye Blames Museveni for FDC Rift

Four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye has blamed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the rift in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party.

In July 2023, the FDC was embroiled in a major internal conflict over allegations of bribery and lack of accountability. During a consultative meeting led by MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, key party leaders, including Erias Lukwago and Francis Mwijukye, accused party president Patrick Amuriat and secretary general Nandala Mafabi of trying to deliver the party to President Museveni and the ruling NRM.

Since then, the leaders sought refuge at Dr. Besigye’s Katonga office. Last week, they revealed plans to dissolve the party, a decision that the leadership at Najjanankumbi called a joke. After Amuriat called Dr. Besigye power-hungry, the former FDC President reminded the public of how he stepped down from power willingly.

Besigye says he stepped down willingly

“I think I still hold the unique position of being, so far, the second leader of a political party who stepped down from leadership. The first leader who stepped down from the leadership of a political party was the late Kawanga Ssemogerere.” said Dr. Kizza Besigye.

During an interview on NBS TV on Sunday evening, Besigye revealed that his decision to step down from leadership of the FDC wasn’t warmly welcomed. According to the FDC constitution, one can only be president for a maximum of three terms. Despite heeding this, the retired military officer says there was pressure among members that he shouldn’t step down.

“The current crisis in Najjanankumbi is not a Besigye problem because all the political parties are suffering similar challenges. It can’t be Besigye in all those parties causing that. It is the junta causing the problems all over.” said Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Additionally, he castigated the NRM government for leveraging the media to blackmail opposition politicians. He said all the talk of rifts is being fueled by the state to weaken them in the 2026 polls.